Diarrhea is defined as loose, watery stools that occur more than three times in one day. Among the things that can cause diarrhea are food intolerance, reactions to medicine, intestinal diseases, and functional bowel disorders. The two types of diarrhea are acute diarrhea (which improves within two weeks) and chronic diarrhea (which lasts longer than two weeks). Diarrhea treatment depends on the type of diarrhea a person has and what caused it -- and may sometimes involve medications or lifestyle and diet changes. In many cases, practicing good hygiene (washing your hands) and sanitation can help prevent the spread of diarrhea.